[FIC: Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle] Days of Yamano - Part 3
.trust.
They knew they made it when they were given steeds. Yasha’s elite alone were mounted in battle.
On friggin’ dragon half-horse things.
Kurogane’s eyebrow twitched as he faced his steed, arms crossed. The thing huffed impatiently, tossing his head about and digging its hooves in the upturned dirt. If dragony-horse-things could look daggers, that’s what it and his new rider were doing to each other right now.
Kurogane heard hooves approaching and turned just a little to the mage addressing him, carefully keeping the beast within his peripheral vision. Fay sat happily on his own steed, petting its strong neck and leaning low to speak into its ear, though Kurogane was pretty sure the mage was addressing him and saying something annoying and false like ‘they’re harmless, see?’ Gods he hated animals.
Slightly nettled that he was being shown up by that clown of a man, Kurogane reached out his hand to pet the thing's muzzle and gain its trust. There was a sound like ogre flatulence and Kurogane jerked his hand away slick with beasty mucus.
“What the-!” Kurogane made the most animated ‘ugh!’ face that Fay had ever seen on him and launched into a long string of rude phrases as he flung the mucus from his fingers. Fay doubled over laughing, his steed seemingly snorting along with him.
Kurogane was not amused.
When the mage finally stopped shaking, he said something with an inviting tone and patted the seat behind him.
Kurogane saw red. “Hell no! Like I’d sit with you in battle!”
Fay shrugged, and smiled knowingly as he watched his comrade attempt to be the master of his steed.
- - - - -
.fun.
Fay knew the moment he saw Yasha on the field that he was a construct of a wish made reality by a feather. He had better magical acuity than Mokona (though for his own reasons allowed the creature to be the beacon for all things magical) and knew the same way he knew the extent of Seishirou’s powers and that Shaoran was more than meets the eye. But Fay chose not to tell Kurogane, feigned surprise when Ashura made her final wish, partly because it was pointless obtaining the feather without the kids, but more so because he didn’t want to spoil the ninja’s fun on the battlefield by turning his mind back to the mission.
- - - - -
.loyalty.
The old blood lust was hard to ignore on the field. The enemy rushing at you in droves, the din of metal and earth and living and dying; it would be so easy just to hack through them all in the haze of battle. The headband, adorned with the crescent moon, kept Kurogane in check.
He had picked it out at the armory and held onto it, even as the old armorer launched into the tale of everlasting conflict fought on the moon and beamed approvingly at Kurogane's declaration of loyalty. Kurogane didn't bother to correct him.
He pledges fealty to no one.
No one, but the priestess who serves Tsukuyomi, the priestess of the moon.
So before each battle he'd press the crescent over the invisible seal, the constant pressure reminding him of his curse and his promise. He'd ride into battle without taking a life to protect his strength. He'd fight on with this army he feels no loyalty towards, if only as a step closer to returning home. He'd grin uncontrollably at times, his dark eyes gleaming, not realizing just how much his body hummed with anticipation, how much his soul resonated with the chaos, how much he enjoyed the challenge.
His loyalties lie with Tomoyo and with himself and with the memory of his family. And that's that.
Still, he'd sometimes wonder if there was more to it, more to this existence, and if he'd ever find that strength Tomoyo-hime had foreseen.
He parries away a spear aimed at Fay and thinks he understands a little.
- - - - -
.arrival.
The end of the battle was nearing and Fay felt slightly disoriented without knowing why. Then it hit him: he could understand the shouting around him with perfect clarity.
Suppressing the urge to throw himself onto Kurogane cheering, Fay calmly urged his steed forward until he was parallel to the ninja. He swung his leg over casually, propped his head up with his fists and smiled.
Kurogane glanced over without turning his head.
“They’re here.”
Kurogane hardly flinched, if he was surprised at all. Instead, his lips drew up a devilish grin.
“Kh. It’s about time.” He turned to the mage, serious. “Don’t give us away. Nothing’s changed.” There was an expectant pause, and Fay tilted his chin in the direction of the ridge. Kurogane pulled to the other side of Yasha for a better look.
Fay was delighted to see that the gruff ninja was anxious to see the children. And he wondered how much of that frown was Kurogane playing his part, and how much because his apprentice was wearing pigtails.
- - - - -
.understanding.
Only things did change.
Their minds were now back on the mission: help the kids, keep moving.
Keep moving.
Yet things didn't return to how it was before being stranded in Yama. There are some bonds that can’t be helped after months of constant companionship.
“Leave the brat to me. Don’t interfere,” Kurogane said back at camp despite knowing Mokona wasn’t anywhere near.
Fay smiled and nodded.
Sometimes, there's no need for words.
-'-
Part I | Part II | FF.net
Author's Note: I ... can't believe I finished this. It's been a long time coming and I'm relieved and sad at the same time. Thanks for reading and for all the positive response thus far. Your feedback and comments are more precious than gold.